Hakeem Olajuwon is a Nigerian-American former professional basketball player best known as The Dream, the master of the Dream Shake and a two-time NBA champion with the Houston Rockets. With his graceful footwork, his shot-blocking and his remarkable skill for a player of his size, Olajuwon built a career that spanned nearly two decades, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest centres in NBA history.
| Full Name | Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1963 |
| Age | 63 years old (as of November 2026) |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian-American |
| Height | 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) |
| Profession | Former basketball player |
| Known For | The Dream, Houston Rockets, 2x NBA champion |
| Wife | Dalia Asafi (married 1996) |
| Children | Five, Rahman, Aisha, Abdullah, Abisola and Kobi |
| Net Worth | Approx. $300 million (Celebrity Net Worth, 2025) |
Who Is Hakeem Olajuwon?
Hakeem Olajuwon is a basketball player who became one of the biggest stars in NBA history. He first found fame with the Houston Rockets, a team he joined in 1984 after being drafted first overall, and he went on to lead the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1986, winning the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1994 and leading the Rockets to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995.
Olajuwon also had a successful career with the Toronto Raptors, and he won an Olympic gold medal with the United States Dream Team in 1996. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008, and he has been praised for his footwork, his shot-blocking and his leadership.
Early Life & Background
Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963, in Lagos, Nigeria, the son of a cement businessman father, and he grew up in Lagos, where he attended Muslim Teachers College. He began playing basketball as a teenager, having first played football and handball, and he led Muslim Teachers College to the Nigerian national championship in 1980.
After graduating from high school, Olajuwon attended the University of Houston, where he studied, and he led the Cougars to the NCAA championship game in 1983 and 1984, as part of the famous Phi Slama Jama team. He was then drafted first overall by the Houston Rockets in 1984.
He has been married to Dalia Asafi since 1996, and they have five children, Rahman, Aisha, Abdullah, Abisola and Kobi. He lives in Houston, Texas, and he is known for his love of football and for his work with the organisation Special Olympics, a charity that supports athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Career
Olajuwon’s breakthrough came in 1984, when he joined the Houston Rockets and was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. The Rockets went on to reach the NBA Finals in 1986, and Olajuwon went on to win the NBA Most Valuable Player award in 1994, and to lead the Rockets to NBA championships in 1994 and 1995, winning the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award both years.
After 17 seasons with the Rockets, Olajuwon joined the Toronto Raptors in 2001, before retiring in 2002. He finished his career as the NBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots, with 3,830, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008, alongside Patrick Ewing and Pat Riley.
Like fellow 1990s centres John Stockton and Karl Malone, Olajuwon is known for a career that spans decades and for the craft and competitiveness he brings to every game. He continues to be involved in basketball, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
Facts About Hakeem Olajuwon
- Hakeem Olajuwon won two NBA championships with the Houston Rockets, in 1994 and 1995.
- He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2008.
- He was born Hakeem Abdul Olajuwon in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1963.
- He is the NBA’s all-time leader in blocked shots, with 3,830.
- He has been married to Dalia Asafi since 1996, and they have five children, Rahman, Aisha, Abdullah, Abisola and Kobi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Hakeem Olajuwon?
Hakeem Olajuwon was born on January 21, 1963, which makes him 63 years old as of November 2026.
How tall is Hakeem Olajuwon?
Hakeem Olajuwon is 7 feet tall (2.13 metres).
Who is Hakeem Olajuwon married to?
Hakeem Olajuwon has been married to Dalia Asafi since 1996. They have five children, Rahman, Aisha, Abdullah, Abisola and Kobi.
What is Hakeem Olajuwon’s net worth?
Hakeem Olajuwon’s net worth is estimated at approximately $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth in 2025.
What is Hakeem Olajuwon best known for?
Hakeem Olajuwon is best known as The Dream and a two-time NBA champion with the Houston Rockets.
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